MC 3311 – Video Production Spring Semester, 2006 Lecture: Monday, 3:30-4:45 p.m.—Hines 204 Lab: Tuesday or Thursday 1-4 p.m.— TV Studio (Alkek 130) or Old Main 212 Instructor: Dr. Ray Niekamp Office: 312 Old Main  Office hours: 11 a.m.-noon M & W, 10-noon T & Th,or by appointment    Phone: (512) 245-3913        E-mail: rn10@txstate.edu

Course Description: Basics of analog and digital video production.  Emphasis on techniques used in producing newscasts, commercials, public service announcements, promotions.  Lab requirements include field and studio production.  Prerequisites: Full major status. Course Objectives: By the end of the semester, the student should be able to:     • Operate a studio television camera and a digital video camera • Operate the equipment found in most studio control rooms, including a video switcher, character generator, audio console, VTR, and teleprompter • Produce and direct a short program live in the studio • Shoot and edit a program segment with digital field equipment and non-linear editing equipment. Required Text: Zettl, Video Basics4, Wadsworth, 2004.  This text comes with a CD: “Zettl’s VideoLab,” which will be useful in studying the concepts introduced in the lectures and labs. Required supplies: One (1) mini-DV tape cassette.  Available at most electronics stores. Labs:  Labs meet Tuesday or Thursday from 1-4 p.m.  This is where you will get hands-on experience operating equipment in the TV studio and the control room.  We will rotate the various positions, so you’ll get to operate each piece of equipment at least once in each lab. In lab, you will do two major projects: • Produce and direct a 5-minute program in the studio. • Shoot and edit a short program segment using our digital field cameras and a non-linear editing program. Practicum: In the practicum, you will serve as the crew for “Bobcat Update,” the television newscasts put on by MC 3312, the TV News class.  Practicum meets in the TV Studio Wednesdays, 3:45-5:00 p.m.  Labs will alternate as the crews each week.  One week, it will be the Tuesday lab, the next week, it will be the Thursday lab.  Crew positions will rotate from newscast to newscast.   Because of the number of people in the class, each person will work only two or at most, three newscasts this semester. All laboratory work areas contain modern electronic equipment for your use.  To minimize maintenance and maximize the life of the gear, you are required to exercise professional discipline and treat the equipment with respect.  No smoking, drinking or eating in any of these labs.  No food or drinks are permitted in these areas. Attendance Policy:  Departmental policy permits faculty members to lower a student's final grade for absences or tardiness. Roll will be taken at the start of all lab sessions.  One unexcused absence for labs is allowed.  Your final lab grade will drop one grade level for each additional absence beyond the one allowed.  No absences are allowed for practicum.  Your final practicum grade will be dropped one grade level for each practicum absence.  Excessive tardiness will also result in your final grade in lab and/or practicum being dropped one grade level.  Absences will only be excused with a doctor’s note or funeral notice/obituary for day(s) missed.  Tests: If you are absent on the day of a test, no make-up will be allowed.  However, if you contact me before the test regarding a conflict, we will be able to schedule a make-up. You are highly encouraged to attend all lectures, as some of the material presented during these lectures is not found in your textbook but will be on your tests. Grading:  The course grade is based on the following: